The Greatest Iranian, Hungarian Books Since 1980

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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  1. 1. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

    This graphic novel is a memoir that provides a personal account of the author's childhood and young adult years in Iran during and after the Islamic revolution. The story portrays the impact of war, political upheaval, and religious extremism on ordinary people, while also exploring themes of identity, resilience, and the power of storytelling. Despite the harsh realities the protagonist faces, the narrative also includes moments of humor and warmth, providing a nuanced view of life in Iran during this tumultuous period.

    The 626th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Notebook: The Proof ; The Third Lie : Three Novels by Agota Kristof

    "The Notebook: The Proof ; The Third Lie : Three Novels" is a trilogy of novels that follow the lives of twin brothers, living through the harsh realities of war, separation, and betrayal. The first novel, "The Notebook," tells the story of their survival as children in a rural town at the end of World War II. The second book, "The Proof," continues their story into adulthood, exploring the effects of their traumatic childhood. The final book, "The Third Lie," delves into the complexities of their relationship and the secrets they kept from one another. The trilogy is a poignant exploration of identity, love, and the enduring bond of brotherhood.

    The 1298th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Melancholy of Resistance by László Krasznahorkai

    "The Melancholy of Resistance" is a surreal and philosophical novel set in a small Hungarian town that becomes isolated by a massive snowstorm. The arrival of a mysterious circus, featuring a stuffed whale and a silent, enigmatic leader, brings with it a wave of change and unrest. The narrative explores themes of chaos, resistance, and the struggle for power through the perspectives of various townsfolk, including a reclusive music theorist and a former political dissident. The novel is known for its complex, long-winded sentences and its bleak yet profound examination of human nature and society.

    The 2102nd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Celestial Harmonies by Peter Esterhazy

    "Celestial Harmonies" is a historical novel that tells the story of the aristocratic Esterházy family, tracing their lineage from the late Middle Ages to the present day. The narrative is divided into two parts, with the first part featuring a series of vignettes about the family's ancestors, while the second part focuses on the experiences of the narrator's father under the Communist regime in Hungary. The novel is characterized by its intricate structure, complex themes, and lush, poetic language, offering a rich exploration of Hungarian history, family dynamics, and the human condition.

    The 2369th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Door by Szabó, Magda

    "The Door" by Magda Szabo is a novel about the relationship between two women, one of whom is a writer and the other is her housekeeper. The story explores themes of class, power, and the complexities of human relationships. As the two women become increasingly intertwined, their relationship becomes more and more complicated, leading to unexpected consequences for both of them. The novel is a powerful exploration of the human condition, and a poignant reminder of the importance of understanding and empathy in our interactions with others.

    The 2379th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Persepolis Two by Marjane Satrapi

    This graphic novel continues the story of a young girl growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. After being sent to Europe for her safety, she struggles with feeling out of place and longs for her homeland. Eventually, she returns to Iran, only to find it vastly different from the place she remembered. The book explores themes of identity, culture, and the effects of political upheaval on a personal level.

    The 3159th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi

    The book is a memoir that takes place in Iran from 1979 to 1997, during the Islamic Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War. The story focuses on a professor who secretly gathers seven of her most committed female students to read forbidden Western literature in her home. As they read and discuss works by authors such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jane Austen, and Vladimir Nabokov, they explore their personal dreams and the losses they suffered due to the political, social, and cultural climate of the time.

    The 4109th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Satantango by László Krasznahorkai

    "Satantango" is a bleak and atmospheric novel set in a small Hungarian village, where a group of desperate and disillusioned characters become entangled in a web of deception, corruption, and despair. As they navigate through the decaying landscape and their own inner demons, the novel explores themes of power, greed, and the human capacity for both cruelty and redemption. With its rich prose and intricate storytelling, "Satantango" offers a haunting and thought-provoking reflection on the human condition.

    The 4439th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Helping Verbs Of The Heart by Peter Esterhazy

    "Helping Verbs Of The Heart" by Peter Esterhazy is a thought-provoking and introspective novel that delves into the complexities of love and relationships. Through a series of interconnected stories and characters, the book explores the various ways in which love can shape and define our lives. With lyrical prose and deep emotional insight, Esterhazy examines the power of love to both heal and wound, and ultimately leaves readers pondering the profound impact that love can have on the human heart.

    The 4439th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. I Have Lived a Thousand Years by Livia Bitton-Jackson

    This memoir tells the harrowing story of a 13-year-old Jewish girl's survival during the Holocaust. The narrative follows her life from her quiet existence in Hungary through the horrors of Auschwitz and other concentration camps, and finally to her liberation and the struggle to rebuild her life in the aftermath of such trauma. The memoir is a powerful testament to human resilience and the will to survive against all odds.

    The 4773rd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Pete Pite by Gábor Nógrádi

    "Pete Pite" is a children's book that follows the adventures of a young boy named Pete, who is known for his insatiable curiosity and inventive spirit. Living in a small village, Pete's inquisitive nature often leads him into amusing and sometimes challenging situations. With his trusty sidekick, a dog named Pite, Pete embarks on a series of escapades that teach him valuable life lessons about friendship, responsibility, and the importance of imagination. Through his experiences, Pete not only solves problems and helps his friends but also grows and learns about the world around him.

    The 5016th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Für Elise by Szabó, Magda

    The novel revolves around the life of a woman named Elise, who, after the death of her husband, discovers a series of letters that reveal hidden aspects of her marriage and her husband's past. As she delves into the contents of the letters, Elise is forced to confront the illusions and truths of her relationship, as well as her own identity. Set against the backdrop of a changing society, the story explores themes of love, betrayal, and the complex layers of human relationships, ultimately leading Elise on a poignant journey of self-discovery and redemption.

    The 5226th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Daughter Of Persia: A Woman's Journey From Her Father's Harem Through The Islamic Revolution by Sattareh Farman-Farmaian

    This memoir recounts the extraordinary life of a woman born into a privileged family in early 20th-century Iran, who witnessed the dramatic shifts of her country's social and political landscape. Growing up in a polygamous household, she broke with tradition to pursue an education abroad, later returning to Iran to become a pioneering advocate for social reform and women's rights. Her story spans the rise and fall of the Pahlavi dynasty, the advent of the Islamic Revolution, and her subsequent exile, offering a personal lens on Iran's complex history and the role of women within it. Through her journey, she embodies the struggles and resilience of a nation in the face of modernity and change.

    The 5329th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Veils by Nahid Rachlin

    "Veils" is a compelling narrative that explores the cultural and personal conflicts faced by two Iranian cousins with contrasting worldviews. The story delves into the complexities of identity, tradition, and liberation as the young women grapple with their roles in a society marked by political upheaval and strict social norms. As one cousin embraces the security of an arranged marriage and the other seeks education and independence in America, their divergent paths illuminate the struggles of modern Iranian women caught between the allure of Western freedoms and the comforts of familiar customs. Their journey is a poignant reflection on the veils, both literal and metaphorical, that define and often confine their lives.

    The 5329th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Funny in Farsi by Firoozeh Dumas

    This memoir tells the story of an Iranian family who migrated to America in the 1970s, offering a humorous take on their experiences. The narrative focuses on the author's childhood and adolescence, exploring themes of cultural identity, assimilation, and the immigrant experience in America. It highlights the family's journey of navigating a new country and culture, while still holding on to their Iranian roots. The book showcases the author's ability to find humor in the most challenging situations, making it a heartwarming and amusing read.

    The 5445th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. A Book Of Memories by Peter Nadas

    "A Book of Memories" is a complex narrative that weaves together the lives of a young Hungarian intellectual, his friends, and lovers, set against the backdrop of Eastern Europe during the Cold War. The novel delves into themes of memory, history, and identity, exploring the protagonist's personal relationships and his struggle with his own sexuality. Rich in philosophical and psychological insights, the book is a tapestry of stories within stories, where the past and present intertwine, and characters search for meaning in a world marked by political turmoil and social change.

    The 5672nd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Jadviga Párnája by Pál Závada

    "Jadviga Párnája" is a historical novel set in a Hungarian village at the turn of the 20th century. It delves into the life of a young woman named Jadviga, who is of Polish descent, and her marriage to a Hungarian man, András. The narrative unfolds through a series of letters, diary entries, and other documents, painting a vivid picture of rural life, social norms, and the personal struggles of the characters. The novel explores themes of love, fidelity, identity, and the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of a society grappling with change and the influences of modernity.

    The 6297th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. The Book Of Fathers by Miklós Vámos

    "The Book of Fathers" chronicles the lives of twelve generations of men from a Hungarian family, spanning over 300 years from the 18th century to the modern day. Each chapter focuses on one descendant, capturing the historical and personal challenges they face, from the rise and fall of empires to the intimate struggles of love and loss. The novel weaves a tapestry of Hungarian history and the family's legacy, marked by a mystical diary that is passed down from father to son, which possesses the power to influence the fate of its keeper. Through the generations, the book becomes a symbol of the family's heritage and the enduring connection between the past and the future.

    The 6603rd Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Animalinside by László Krasznahorkai, Max Neumann

    "Animalinside" is a haunting and surreal novella that delves into the mind of a narrator who becomes consumed by an animalistic alter ego. As the protagonist's thoughts and actions blur the line between human and animal, the narrative takes on a dark and disorienting tone, exploring themes of identity, violence, and the primal instincts that lie within us all. Through the collaboration of Krasznahorkai's mesmerizing prose and Neumann's striking illustrations, "Animalinside" offers a mesmerizing and thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche.

    The 6935th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Gergő és Az álomfogók by Gyula Böszörményi

    In this enchanting tale, a young boy named Gergő discovers a mysterious world of dream catchers who are responsible for protecting dreams from the nightmares that seek to disrupt them. As Gergő embarks on a thrilling adventure, he learns about the delicate balance between the dream world and reality, and the importance of confronting one's fears. With the help of new friends and his own courage, Gergő must navigate through this fantastical realm to ensure that the harmony of dreams is preserved for himself and others. Along the way, he gains insights into bravery, friendship, and the power of imagination.

    The 7805th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. If You Could Be Mine by Sara Farizan

    The novel explores the emotional turmoil of a young Iranian girl who is in love with her best friend, another girl, in a country where their love is forbidden. Facing the harsh realities of a society that criminalizes homosexuality, she considers undergoing gender reassignment surgery, which is legal in Iran, as a desperate attempt to be with her beloved openly. The story delves into themes of identity, sacrifice, and the lengths one might go to for love, set against the backdrop of contemporary Tehran's complex socio-political landscape.

    The 8325th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. állítsátok Meg Terézanyut! by Zsuzsa Rácz

    "Állítsátok meg Terézanyut!" is a comedic novel that delves into the complexities of family life through the lens of Hungarian culture. The story centers around a middle-aged woman whose children have grown up and are leading their own lives, leaving her to navigate the challenges of an empty nest. As she attempts to maintain control over her family and their affairs, her overbearing nature leads to a series of humorous and heartwarming misadventures. The novel explores themes of motherhood, independence, and the evolving dynamics of familial relationships, all while offering a satirical look at the generational gaps and societal expectations within a modern family setting.

    The 8967th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Parallel Stories by Péter Nádas

    This novel is a vast and intricate narrative that weaves together the lives of characters across different generations and locations, primarily in Hungary and Germany, spanning from the 1930s to the 1980s. Through a series of interconnected stories, the book explores themes of identity, history, sexuality, and politics, delving deep into the personal and collective experiences of its characters. The narrative structure is complex, with a rich tapestry of details and a deep psychological insight into human nature, reflecting on the impact of historical events on individual lives and the interconnectedness of human experiences across time and space.

    The 10602nd Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download